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Thursday, April 7, 2016

Community press conference regarding Eddie Johnson

A press conference was called today by Richard Wooten,
former police officer and current leader of the Gathering Point Community Council
and Grater Chatham Alliance, meeting at Josephine’s (formerly Captain’s Hard
Time dining

Eddie Johnson was scheduled to appear (after meeting with
Wooten and several ministers a few days ago). Unfortunately, Johnson was called
into a meeting with Mayor Emanuel as well as having the President come to
University of Chicago that day, so he was not in attendance.

Wooten instead used the press conference as an opportunity
to express support for Eddie Johnson as permanent Police Superintendent. Wooten
was joined by representatives of community organizations from West
Chesterfield, Chesterfield, Chatham, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and Park
Manor as well as 6th Ward Alderman Rod Sawyer and Victor Love &
Josephine Wade of the restaurant.

Wooten and others noted that “We are not pleased with the
process, but we are pleased with the person.”

Praises for Johnson included how he boosted morale for
officers in the 6th district, reduced crime, and instituted “Peace
in the Park” program at Cole Park, immediately following the death of Thomas
Wortham IV.

Wooten also talked about plans for a Justice Town Hall
meeting, especially for the residents of the greater area, in which Eddie
Johnson will be invited. Specifics will be determined, pending Johnson’s
schedule.

Andrea Watson of DNAinfo was in attendance, so expect a
story very soon. Channel 2,5,7 and 32 (local CBS, NBC, ABC, & Fox stations,
respectively) were also in attendance, so expect stories today as well, perhaps
as early as noon or 4pm .

Reporters asked tough questions such as “How can Eddie Johnson
change the culture of ‘Code of Silence’ which has been around for generations”

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